Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 1,128,123	$ 1,050,965
Less: allowance for depreciation and amortization	635,760	632,133
Property, plant and equipment, net	492,363	418,832
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, at cost	45,281	36,767
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, at cost	311,869	291,026
Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 770,973	$ 723,172

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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